referred
Last reviewed 07/2021
Pain may be referred to the ear from the nerves listed below; for each, the disorder causing the stimulus is detailed.
Auriculo-temporal branch of the trigeminal nerve (V):
- dental abscess
- dental caries
- impacted molar teeth
- temporo-mandibular joint lesions - e.g. Costen's syndrome
Tympanic branch of the glossopharyngeal nerve (IX):
- post-tonsillectomy
- tonsillitis or quinsy
- carcinoma at the base of the tongue or tonsil
- neuralgia of the glossopharyngeal nerve
Sensory branch of the facial nerve (VII):
- geniculate herpes / Ramsay Hunt syndrome
Auricular branch of the vagus nerve (X):
- carcinoma of the piriform fossa
- carcinoma of the larynx
- post-cricoid carcinoma
Great auricular nerve (C2 / C3)
Lesser occipital nerve (C3):
- cervical spondylosis